Kevins USA Paralympic SailCampaign

Kevin's 2016 US Paralympic Sailing Campaign

Kevin loves sailing!
In June, 2009, Kevin was in a bicycle vs auto accident, the speeding van won.
A few months before the accident Kevin, a freshman Honor student at Plant HS, won the 4.7 Laser Midwinters at age 14.
Kevin started sailing at 8 years old. He got hooked at summer-learn-to-sail.
He competed all over the US, and Lake Garda,Italy.  Sailing was a passion.
His dream was to compete in the Olympics.
Kevin was on his way to his summer coaching job at Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation, riding his bike, part of his exercise routine to be ultra fit, when he was hit and sufferred a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.
Our best friends rigged his hospital bed with sailing lines so when he woke up he would feel something he would know. His Aunt delivered clean sailing t-shirts to the hospital everyday.
After 3 months at TGH, where he received wonderful care, ( the nurses arranged to take out the ceiling tile so his sailor friends could paint it, with him on his boat, so when he woke up he would see it)
Finally, we brought him home.
It was time to start thinking "out of the box."
There are limits as to how much PT OT and ST that a patient can receive each year if any , from insurance. There is no cognitive therapy in Florida. So I decided to ask one friend, who was a music major,for voice lessons. Another volunteered to give pilates lessons. Another helped me get him in our swimming pool.  We had a wonderful Home School teacher, Gary.  He helped us understand what was to come in terms of anger and healing.  A past Opti mom recommended a ST, Ashli, a life line for us. She never thought my ideas were too crazy. Metronome therapy? Sure, let's do it!
Next came Quantum Leap Farm, the introduction of Hippo therapy and equine therapy.  Walking and balance became better.  Social skills became more appropriate.
     Then we arranged for him to sail with Dr. Jay Booker at DIYC.  Kevin had sailed with his son for many years. He took him out on a 420. And Kevin made a smile. It was crooked and awkward but it was a sign. I won't ever forget that kindness. Kevin looked hopeful. He knew where he was. There was no fear.  
So then we arranged with Gene, a champion for disabled sailiors, for Kevin to try a 2.4mR singlehanded keelboat.  A Paralympic class boat.  His youth sailor, Bryan, took him to Miami for a week to sail at Shake-A-Leg.  He was immediately at home and wanted to sail all the time again.
    After almost 1 year on his own, his last sailcoach, past US Olympic coach Ian ,said Kevin was ready for some serious coaching.  Kevin trains 3-4 days a week with Coach Ian. 
Here we are almost 7 years later.
Kevin's passion for sailing is still amazing. His dream now, sailing for the US Paralympic team.  He is currently in 3rd place in the USA to go to Rio 2016.  He has qualified to race April 25th, in Hyeres, France to win that 1st spot!
   Every brain injury is different. Just like every person is different. TBI is the slowest healing injury by far. You can't do it alone. I had neighbors mowing my lawn,  walking Panda. Feeding us, I still can taste Miss Sydney's pork tenderloin.
      I am Kevin's mom.  I am blessed with amazing friends and family.  I have the best husband and partner. I have a beautiful, energetic, daughter.
I have a son that doesn't stop trying, that works harder than anyone.
And he is one hell of a sailor.
   
Funds raised wil go to support Kevin's efforts to race in Hyeres and with a win, to represent the USA in Rio 2016!  Charter boat, race sails, tranportation,housing, coach fees, entry fees.  

Thank-you for helping Kevin fufill his dream.
Tax deductible donations can be sent to
DIYSF ( Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation)
noted  please for "Kevin USA Rio"
1315 Severn Avenue
Tampa, FL  33606